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Climate change could affect wine's microbial make-up
PLOS ONE
Climate change could impact the microbial make-up of wine, according to New Zealand researchers. Wine scientists from Lincoln University analysed the bacteria and fungi present during the fermentation of two organic Pinot noir batches from the same Read more about Climate change could affect wine's microbial make-up
New ZealandLincoln University|Manaaki Whenua - Landcare Research -
Radio waves can tune up bacteria to become life-saving medicines
Nano Letters
Scientists from Australia and the United States have found a new way to alter the DNA of bacterial cells – a process used to make many vital medicines including insulin – more efficiently than standard industry techniques, by using radio waves. Read more about Radio waves can tune up bacteria to become life-saving medicines
Australia; NSW; VICRMIT University|University of Wollongong|Swinburne University of Technology... -
New JWST low-mass galaxy observations could help settle scientific debate about early universe origins
Nature
International researchers have made a major astronomical discovery, revealing that small galaxies are very likely at the origin of reionization – a crucial period in the early universe where neutral hydrogen transformed into ionized gas. Read more about New JWST low-mass galaxy observations could help settle scientific debate about early universe origins
Australia; VICSwinburne University of Technology -
Silencing a gene could lead to lowering our cholesterol
Nature
Italian researchers say they have been able to repress a gene that has a role in controlling cholesterol levels in mice, and they say they have been able to do this without permanently altering the genetics of the mice. As opposed to directly Read more about Silencing a gene could lead to lowering our cholesterol
InternationalIRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy -
Losing our tails and walking upright was worth the genetic risks
Nature
The same gene that made our ancestors lose their tails may also lead to spinal cord defects, according to a new study that altered mice DNA. Researchers suggest that whatever advantage we got from losing our tails (such as becoming bipedal) must Read more about Losing our tails and walking upright was worth the genetic risks
InternationalNew York University, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Harvard University, Pennsylvania State University -
More than one glass of soft drink a day could increase your risk of kidney disease
JAMA Network Open
Drinking more than one glass a day of sugar-sweetened drinks, or artificially sweetened drinks per day could increase your risk of developing chronic kidney disease, according to an international study of over 120,000 people. The study found people Read more about More than one glass of soft drink a day could increase your risk of kidney disease
InternationalYonsei University, South Korea -
High temperatures may immediately increase your risk of having a stroke
JAMA Network Open
A large study has shown that high temperatures, over about 33 degrees, immediately increase your risk of having an ischemic stroke. The Chinese study found that compared to temperatures of around 12 degrees, at 33 degrees there was an increased risk Read more about High temperatures may immediately increase your risk of having a stroke
InternationalFudan University, China -
EXPERT REACTION: Smoking down, vaping up, and 1 in 5 of us use drugs illicitly - Australia's National Drug Strategy Household Survey
The National Drug Strategy Household Survey 2022–2023
The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) have released the results from their National Drug Strategy Household Survey for 2022-2023, which outlines the attitudes and usage of tobacco, e-cigarettes and vaping, alcohol and illicit drugs Read more about EXPERT REACTION: Smoking down, vaping up, and 1 in 5 of us use drugs illicitly - Australia's National Drug Strategy Household Survey
Australia; NSW; VIC; QLD; SA; WA; TAS; NT; ACTAustralian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) -
Climate extremes in Australia: new report analyses major events of 2023
Climate extremes in Australia were particularly intense in 2023 which saw a number of records tumble. Co-written by more than 30 of Australia’s leading climate scientists and researchers from the ARC Centre of Excellence for Climate Extremes, the Read more about Climate extremes in Australia: new report analyses major events of 2023
Australia; NSW; VIC; QLD; SA; TAS; NT; ACTARC Centre of Excellence for Climate Extremes (CLEx) -
Stop trying to raise the perfect child: new parenting book
Two University of the Sunshine Coast education experts are calling for more parents to 'ground' their children – but not as punishment for misdeeds. Their new evidence-based book Grounded aims to steer parents out of the stress of years of Read more about Stop trying to raise the perfect child: new parenting book
Australia; QLDUniversity of the Sunshine Coast -
New findings could be life-changing for genetic syndrome sufferers
JCO Precision Oncology
An international research team led by QIMR Berghofer and Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre has discovered that people with the hereditary cancer disorder, Li Fraumeni Syndrome, are at greater risk of a much broader spectrum of cancers than previously Read more about New findings could be life-changing for genetic syndrome sufferers
Australia; NSW; VIC; QLD; SA; WA; TASQIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute|The University of New South Wales... -
Humpback whale numbers have dropped 20% in 10 years, whale watching data shows
Royal Society Open Science
Twenty years of whale watching data has shown that humpback whale numbers in the North Pacific Ocean dropped by 20% in the ten years from 2012 to 2021, according to Aussie-led research. The researchers say this is likely due to the impact of a Read more about Humpback whale numbers have dropped 20% in 10 years, whale watching data shows
Australia; NSW; WASouthern Cross University|Murdoch University -
After intense predictions, what happened to El Niño?
After many predictions, on September 19 the Australian Bureau of Meteorology formally announced an El Niño for the summer of 2023/2024, several months after it had been declared by other international meteorological agencies. And while forecasts Read more about After intense predictions, what happened to El Niño?
Australia; NSWThe University of New South Wales -
How could the production of blue jeans be safer and better for the environment?
Nature Communications
Industrial production of a colourless compound found in indigo plants could one day provide a way of dyeing blue jeans that is less environmentally harmful and safer for workers, according to international research. Blue jeans are currently coloured Read more about How could the production of blue jeans be safer and better for the environment?
InternationalTechnical University of Denmark, Denmark -
Weight loss surgery more effective than lifestyle management for type 2 diabetes
JAMA
US scientists say weight loss surgery is more effective than lifestyle management for long-term control of type 2 diabetes. They looked at outcomes around 10 years down the line for 262 people with type 2 diabetes who had either gone under the knife Read more about Weight loss surgery more effective than lifestyle management for type 2 diabetes
InternationalUniversity of Pittsburgh, USA -
Largest crab claw ever found near Taranaki
New Zealand Journal of Geology and Geophysics
Are ya feeling it now, Mr. Krabs? Researchers from the Netherlands are, after describing a fossil crab that boasts the largest (fossilised) crab claw ever, discovered on Waitoetoe beach in New Zealand by a local fossicker. The new species may be a Read more about Largest crab claw ever found near Taranaki
New ZealandUtrecht University, Llorenç de Villalonga -
3D printed artificial eyes faster to make and more realistic
Nature Communications
International scientists have developed a faster and less laborious method for modelling and 3D printing more realistic custom eye prostheses. They say their prosthetic eyes have a more natural appearance and a better fit than currently available Read more about 3D printed artificial eyes faster to make and more realistic
InternationalFraunhofer Institute for Computer Graphics Research IGD, Germany -
Cutting-edge tracking technology proves Australian whale shark tourism leads the world
Journal of Sustainable Tourism
Using technology akin to a ‘fitbit’ for sharks, a team of researchers has tagged and tracked whale sharks to study the effects of tourism at Ningaloo Reef in Western Australia for the first time. In a resounding endorsement of local tourism Read more about Cutting-edge tracking technology proves Australian whale shark tourism leads the world
Australia; QLD; WAMurdoch University|The University of Queensland|University of the Sunshine Coast -
Resistance to social robots futile
Technological Forecasting and Social Change
While the rise of artificial intelligence is proving to be a contentious issue, new research from Edith Cowan University (ECU) has found that the use of social robots in a commercial setting would likely be met with less resistance. Resistance to Read more about Resistance to social robots futile
Australia; WAEdith Cowan University -
Silver tourism an avenue for industry growth
Journal of Hospitality and Tourism Management
There is a significant opportunity to take advantage of the untapped market of silver tourism, paving the way to not only grow the economy but also offer an ever-increasing ageing population the opportunity to maintain quality of life. Silver Read more about Silver tourism an avenue for industry growth
Australia; WAEdith Cowan University|Curtin University -
Livestock guardian dogs safeguarding livelihoods and biodiversity
Ecological Solutions and Evidence
A landmark study has revealed how Livestock Guardian Dogs (LGDs) are changing predator behaviour and supporting conservation efforts in the process. A landmark study has revealed how Livestock Guardian Dogs (LGDs) are changing predator behaviour and Read more about Livestock guardian dogs safeguarding livelihoods and biodiversity
Australia; VIC; TASUniversity of Tasmania|The University of Melbourne... -
BRIEFING ALERT: Making sense of summer's weird weather, and what's coming next
This summer, the weather has had many of us scratching our heads. The idea that El Niño = hot and dry seems to have gone out the window, as rain lashed the east coast. But if you are struggling to sort your ENSO and Indian Ocean Dipole from your Read more about BRIEFING ALERT: Making sense of summer's weird weather, and what's coming next
Australia; VIC; ACTAustralian Science Media Centre|The University of Melbourne... -
Culturally diverse boards the key to sustainability
Sustainability
Research has revealed the positive impact culturally diverse boards have on the sustainability practices of Australia’s largest companies. However, the study also provides a word of caution on the ability of powerful CEOs to negate this influence. Read more about Culturally diverse boards the key to sustainability
Australia; WAMurdoch University -
Kangaroos and drag queens help an Aussie scientist win the global 'Dance your PhD' competition
Science
The global 'Dance your PhD' competition has been won by an Aussie researcher, who brought all different types of dancers together to help explain his research on eastern grey kangaroos. The video, which includes babies, drag queens, ballroom and Read more about Kangaroos and drag queens help an Aussie scientist win the global 'Dance your PhD' competition
Australia; ACTThe Australian National University -
Silence broken on gender pay gaps but we must hold organisations to account
The exposure of the gender pay gaps in large Australian organisations is a turning point for gender equality, but more must be done to hold employers to account, says a University of South Australia researcher. The exposure of the gender pay gaps Read more about Silence broken on gender pay gaps but we must hold organisations to account
Australia; SAUniversity of South Australia -
Protecting South Australian first responders against mental health impacts
Research shows emergency service personnel are twice as likely to develop anxiety, depression, and PTSD but a new Flinders University support program is aiming to prevent the onset of mental health conditions for first responders. Flinders Read more about Protecting South Australian first responders against mental health impacts
Australia; SAFlinders University -
Using AI to enhance satellite imagery to monitor our planet
Remote Sensing Letters
A new method to assess different satellite designs using a powerful AI technique to more cheaply monitor our planet from space has been released. A new method to assess different satellite designs using a powerful AI technique to more cheaply Read more about Using AI to enhance satellite imagery to monitor our planet
Australia; VICSwinburne University of Technology -
Gut-brain communication turned on its axis
Cell and Tissue Research
The mechanisms by which antidepressants and other emotion-focused medications work could be reconsidered due to an important new development in the understanding of how the gut communicates with the brain. New research led by Flinders University has Read more about Gut-brain communication turned on its axis
Australia; SAFlinders University -
Why older people slow down
JNeurosci
We slow down as we approach old age because it takes more effort to move, not necessarily because we have less desire to move, according to US researchers. They measured energy use in 84 people aged between 22 and 78, and found that older people Read more about Why older people slow down
InternationalUniversity of Colorado Boulder, USA -
Trying to lose weight? 40g of resistant starch per day could help
Nature Metabolism
Supplementing your diet with foods that contain resistant starch - such as legumes, chickpeas, and lentils - may help with weight loss and insulin sensitivity, according to a small international trial, which found that diets supplemented by 40g of Read more about Trying to lose weight? 40g of resistant starch per day could help
InternationalShanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, China -
When we knocked that asteroid moon off course, we may have completely changed its shape
Nature Astronomy
The asteroid moon Dimorphos may have been reshaped after NASA smashed a spacecraft called the DART (Double Asteroid Redirection Test) planetary defence demonstrator into it back in 2022, according to international scientists. As well as knocking Read more about When we knocked that asteroid moon off course, we may have completely changed its shape
InternationalUniversity of Bern, Switzerland -
Patch treatment shows promise for treating milk allergies in children
JAMA Pediatrics
An immunotherapy patch could help treat milk allergies in children, according to international research. The Viaskin platform - also currently being investigated for peanut allergies - involves applying a patch daily that delivers a small amount of Read more about Patch treatment shows promise for treating milk allergies in children
InternationalSeattle Allergy and Asthma Research Institute, USA -
Extreme heat while pregnant could lead to preterm births, but green spaces might help
JAMA Pediatrics
Australian researchers have found a link between being exposed to extreme heat while pregnant and the likelihood of having a preterm birth, but being around green spaces or greenness in general might mitigate the negative effects of the heat. The Read more about Extreme heat while pregnant could lead to preterm births, but green spaces might help
Australia; VICMonash University -
What do we know about why young people are drinking less?
Drug and Alcohol Review
There's been a decline in the drinking of alcohol among young people in recent years, and Australian researchers say there's a lot we still don't know about why, and what impact it will have. In an editorial, the researchers discuss a range of Read more about What do we know about why young people are drinking less?
Australia; VIC; WACurtin University|La Trobe University|Burnet Institute... -
New gene-screening technology to boost crop disease resistance
Nature Plants
Decades of research in synthetic biology, genetics and molecular plant pathology have yielded an advancement in molecular plant pathology. Scientists at CSIRO, Australia’s national science agency, have achieved an advancement in molecular plant Read more about New gene-screening technology to boost crop disease resistance
AustraliaCSIRO -
Antibody combo shows promise for hard to treat cancers
CANCER
A combination of two antibodies which target and boost the immune system, have shown promising results against hard to treat solid tumours in an early-stage clinical trial. The drugs, called CS1002 and CS1003 (or nofazinlimab), were trialled in Read more about Antibody combo shows promise for hard to treat cancers
Australia; NSW; VIC; SAThe University of Adelaide|The Alfred|Southern Medical Day Care Centre, The Kinghorn Cancer Centre, Box Hill Hospital, Albury‐Wodonga Regional Cancer Centre, Orange Health Service, CStone Pharmaceuticals -
Pacific field tips lead to discoveries about the birds and bees of Fiji
Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution
Eight new Pacific bee species and new insights into Fijian bird behaviour on Viti Levu Island have been described in new scientific studies led by Flinders University. The studies, both funded by field work supported by the Australian Government’s Read more about Pacific field tips lead to discoveries about the birds and bees of Fiji
Australia; Pacific; International; NSW; SAFlinders University|University of South Australia|The University of the South Pacific -
Corporate race to use AI puts public at risk
AI and Ethics
A rush by Australian companies to use generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) is escalating the privacy and security risks to the public as well as to staff, customers and stakeholders, according to a new study. The University of the Sunshine Coast Read more about Corporate race to use AI puts public at risk
Australia; QLDUniversity of the Sunshine Coast -
Looking for ways to stem the rise of microplastics
1st Nano and Microplastics Australian Conference
The amount of plastic entering the oceans is expected to triple 2040, with 14 million tonnes already impacting marine ecosystems according to the United Nations. In the environment, plastic waste breaks down into micro- and nano-size particles or Read more about Looking for ways to stem the rise of microplastics
Australia; SAFlinders University -
Good things don’t come in threes for Antarctic sea ice
Journal of Climate
As this month marks the third consecutive summer with extremely low sea-ice cover around Antarctica, new statistical research points to fundamental changes taking place in the polar Southern Ocean. As this month marks the third consecutive summer Read more about Good things don’t come in threes for Antarctic sea ice
Australia; TASUniversity of Tasmania|Bureau of Meteorology|Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies (IMAS)... -
Targeting inflammatory protein could help treat severe asthma
Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology
Australian scientists have developed a promising new treatment for asthma, targeting an inflammatory protein that is often resistant to steroids. The finding comes in the wake of a national spike in asthma deaths, with South Australia recording the Read more about Targeting inflammatory protein could help treat severe asthma
AustraliaUniversity of South Australia|RMIT University|The University of Adelaide... -
3D printed titanium structure shows supernatural strength
Advanced Materials
A 3D printed ‘metamaterial’ boasting levels of strength for weight not normally seen in nature or manufacturing could change how we make everything from medical implants to aircraft or rocket parts. A 3D printed ‘metamaterial’ boasting Read more about 3D printed titanium structure shows supernatural strength
Australia; VICRMIT University -
A step closer to understanding hydrogen’s greatest challenge
Nature Communications
Why hydrogen causes steels to become brittle and crack is the great conundrum of engineers and researchers looking to develop large-scale transport and storage solutions for the hydrogen age – an era Australia hopes to lead by 2030. Solving Read more about A step closer to understanding hydrogen’s greatest challenge
Australia; NSWThe University of Sydney|The University of New South Wales -
CSIRO helps Heritage NSW solve 120-year maritime mystery of the SS Nemesis
An investigation by CSIRO, conducted for Heritage NSW, has helped identify the wreck of a steamship that disappeared off Australia’s east coast in 1904. A CSIRO team aboard research vessel (RV) Investigator has helped Heritage NSW solve a 120-year Read more about CSIRO helps Heritage NSW solve 120-year maritime mystery of the SS Nemesis
Australia; NSWCSIRO|NSW Government -
Drug shows promise for treating multiple food allergies
New England Journal of Medicine
A drug called omalizumab is safe and an effective treatment for multiple food allergies, according to clinical trials of the treatment in 462 people aged between one and 55, including 180 who took part in a 'gold standard' randomised controlled Read more about Drug shows promise for treating multiple food allergies
InternationalJohns Hopkins University School of Medicine, USA -
What do Australia's scientists think of the Universities Accord final report?
The Australian Academy of Science welcomes the Australian Universities Accord Final Report released today. Academy President Professor Chennupati Jagadish said the report warns that unless the nation continues to produce more knowledge, skills, Read more about What do Australia's scientists think of the Universities Accord final report?
AustraliaAustralian Academy of Science -
Aussies are using social media to normalise some of our problematic drinking behaviours
PLOS ONE
Young fathers are some of the most common types of Aussies who are talking about their alcohol on social media, according to Australian research. The team used data from a social media analytics platform to analyse how much Aussies talk about Read more about Aussies are using social media to normalise some of our problematic drinking behaviours
Australia; VICLa Trobe University -
Legalised weed linked to more workplace injuries among younger people
JAMA Health Forum
US researchers say there's an uptick in workplace injuries for younger people in states with legalised recreational marijuana. Since 2012, 24 states and Washington, DC have legalised possession and sales of small quantities of the drug, so the Read more about Legalised weed linked to more workplace injuries among younger people
InternationalSan Diego State University, USA -
Australian experiment on-board Swedish rocket launch
A new type of electromagnetic shield designed and manufactured at RMIT will be launched into space in the three-day launch window opening on 25 February, Central European Time. A new type of electromagnetic shield designed and manufactured at RMIT Read more about Australian experiment on-board Swedish rocket launch
Australia; International; VICRMIT University -
'Cruel wellbeing’ approach adds to teachers’ stress
British Journal of Sociology of Education
New Curtin research has found the challenges and problems faced by overworked teachers are being compounded by expectations placed on them to manage their own wellbeing, while the impact of working conditions and broader policies on teacher welfare Read more about 'Cruel wellbeing’ approach adds to teachers’ stress
Australia; WACurtin University